In the Heights – A Special Musical Film Adaptation (Early Review)

An eagerly anticipated release, In The Heights was once supposed to be released in the summer of 2020 before it was delayed and swapped for a welcomed Disney+ drop of the musical Hamilton to appease the masses. But still, there was just something unspoken about this musical that apparent from its very first trailer.

And now, the time is finally here…

In the Heights is based on the book by Quiara Alegría Hudes and most notably known for its Broadway adaptation popularized by Lin Manuel Miranda. Still, the goal always seemed to be a way to successfully adapt the musical stage play to the big screen, a task in which Director Jon M. Chu not only perfectly navigates but also manages to infuse a sense of widespread appeal that will tap into even the most entrenched anti-musical goer.

In the Heights follows the story of a Hispanic neighborhood populated by dreams. At its center is Usnavi (Ramos), a bodega owner, who longs for returning to the better days of his life in the Dominican Republic over the trying times he experiences through his daily grind. Amongst Usnavi’s friends are Vanessa (Barrera), who dreams of a fashion line all her own, Benny (Hawkins), a business-savvy entrepreneur, Nina (Leslie Grace), the first college student of her family, and many more. Ramos is magnificent commanding the screen with charisma, humor, and heart as is his supporting cast who were phenomenal as each delivers remarkable performances that are fully realized. Each story gets ample time to blossom into a believable dream that while personal to its individual character is entirely relatable to the extent the audience can’t help but root for its success. Beyond them, are the terrific additions of Jimmy Smits (Kevin), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Daniela), and Olga Merediz (Abuela Claudia) who delivers one of the film’s standout musical numbers.

Aside from its central cast, the most important character in the film is the neighborhood of Washington Heights itself. It’s a vibrant community teeming with life that feels authentic and lived-in from the first scene. The background players seem natural and come alive as they sing in unison with the music almost as if this is taking place right in the middle of their normal workday. It’s a mesmerizing trait that forces the mundane to feel magical as there is always something happening in the streets.

Of course, the stories all are centered around hopes and dreams, but at its heart, In the Heights is a celebration, a love letter, to a people that have molded an entire generation through its traditions and morals, but more importantly, never loses focus on celebrating the hardships just the same as the victories. Lin Manuel Miranda’s music expertly captures these moments, both small and large, with everything from bombastic numbers involving the entire neighborhood to quieter duets between lovestruck dreamers that almost appear as private moments occurring in the midst of unknowing bystanders. The music is infectious and offers incredible melodies, excellent lyrics, and mesmerizing dance numbers all mixed together to overwhelm the senses from start to finish.

From its opening notes, there’s something special about the film. While the music, dancing, and characters are mesmerizing, there is a constant joy that is contagious and permeates throughout the entire film to the extent where audiences can’t help but have a smile well after it’s over. The stories and music tap into a shared dream in all of us wrapped in an essence of pride and commemoration.

In the end, In the Heights is worth the wait and is a must-see heading into a very packed summer of film releases. It’s a special film that successfully makes the leap from the page-to-stage-to-screen and should be celebrated for doing so.

still courtesy of Warner Bros.

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